Trust

Sue’s Views
This has been our church’s verse for the month of May. Why is it so hard to trust God? Because we rely so much on what we see. From our view point ….. things can look pretty messy! We process them through our limited knowledge ….. and our past experience. We therefore limit the possible outcome to what we can understand. But ….. at the same time ….. God is looking at the same situation from His perspective. He sees a complete and beautiful picture. When we let Him into our situation by acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours ….. He will lead us step by step to a place where we can see it too! We walk by faith ….. not by sight.

Potential

Sue’s Views
The past year has been tough! We’ve all been affected in some way. Things we’ve depended on are no longer dependable. Our freedom has been restricted. Things we thought we could control are now beyond our control. But the human spirit doesn’t rely on outward circumstances to thrive. It is able to connect with God’s Spirit and is capable of things beyond our imagination. We were never designed to do our own thing. We were designed for God’s purpose ….. and nothing can stop that but us! So instead of looking at the harsh situation you are in ….. look inside at the potential God has given you ….. and bloom where you are planted!

Perspective

Sue’s Views
Like many of you ….. we stood on our balcony late last night to watch the moon (so romantic)! It was too cold to stay there long but we didn’t want to miss a once in a lifetime experience. As amazing as it was ….. I couldn’t help being even more amazed at the God who put it all in motion! We know the moon has tremendous influence in our world ….. but we are just a dot in comparison to the universe. Sometimes it’s good to get some perspective. I can’t understand how people can think it all just happened by accident! As tiny and seemingly insignificant as we are ….. God chose us to be part of His family! And that makes me feel very special ….. and so are you!

Starting Over

Sue’s Views
This is what you call a bad day at the office! Fortunately no bones were broken ….. but he won’t be making that mistake again! The truth is ….. we learn from our mistakes. We’ve all done some dumb things ….. but they don’t define us. The picture reminds me of another Carpenter who allowed His hands to be pierced with nails so we could be forgiven for our wrong doing. That means we can start over! 

Rejection

Sue’s Views
Have you been rejected by someone you love? Rejection is one of the enemy’s tools to make us feel unworthy and unlovable. It’s roots go deep ….. and it’s effects can last long. The person rejected often feels they are at fault ….. and struggles with their identity. Jesus knew rejection ….. from his own family ….. from people He wanted to help ….. and finally from His Father. He understands and identifies with the rejected. If that’s you ….. talk to Him about it. He overcame rejection and exchanged it for His acceptance on the Cross. If God accepts us ….. who can reject us?

Autumn Cleaning

Sue’s Views

Most of us like to do ‘spring cleaning’ ….. but how about some ‘autumn cleaning’? Those fallen leaves can make our gardens untidy and clog up the gutters. As well as raking up those leaves and making them into compost ….. how about a heart check at the same time. Shake off all the negative thoughts ….. regrets ….. labels ….. unforgiveness ….. doubts ….. and fears. Let them become food for future decisions ….. and lessons learned. Don’t let them clog your heart and mind. A new season is coming! 

Trust

Sue’s Views
One of the problems with us humans is that we like to be in control! When we are facing a problem ….. we have to try to solve it. But the material we have to work with is limited. The writer of Ecclesiastes ….. in trying to explain the issues facing mankind ….. made the mistake of limiting his search to ‘everything under the sun’. But God is not under the sun! He created the sun and is therefore far above the sun ….. the moon and the stars. His knowledge and wisdom is far greater than our little minds can fathom. His ways are higher than ours. You can trust Him! He cares far more about your problem than you do.

Design

Sue’s Views
It was a nice change to go into the city the other day ….. especially as the train ride was free and we didn’t have to worry about parking! It seems like the city is constantly changing and developing. I was taken by the artistry of the buildings ….. the vast variety of architecture and design. But then I thought about the planning behind it all. And that’s when my head started to explode! I’m glad it’s not my job! But everything that is made starts with a designer who already sees the finished product. Nothing just happens by chance!

Storms

Sue’s Views
When Jesus chose His disciples ….. He chose simple ….. hard working young men. Among them were fishermen! They knew the Sea of Galilee very well as their livelihood depended on it. Many of the miracles they witnessed happened while going about their daily chores. The miracle of the super catch ….. a fish with a coin in its mouth ….. the calming of the sea ….. Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s attempt to do the same. Galilee is famous for it’s sudden storms ….. and it became a training ground for their faith. When Jesus is in our boat ….. we too will experience His miraculous provision ….. and overcoming power ….. in our everyday lives. If life is a bit stormy at the moment ….. get ready to walk on water!

Van Gogh Live

Sue’s Views
Yesterday we were blessed by our awesome family to attend the Van Gogh Live exhibition as a Mothers Day gift. It was an amazing experience. As with many highly gifted people ….. Van Gogh experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. These come through in his paintings. Some of his quotes show his understanding of mental illness ….. and he found a way to express his emotions through his works of art. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety ….. you are not alone! Allow God’s deepness to connect with the depths of emotion you are feeling and bring truth and wholeness to you.